I am An Immortal Painter

The Arena of Titans

The Titan Awakener Academy prided itself on one thing above all else—strength.

It was a place where combat was valued over theory, where raw power determined one's status, and where the strong reigned supreme.

Every month, the academy held mandatory sparring matches to assess student progress. The results affected rankings, resources, and future opportunities. Those who performed well earned prestige. Those who failed? They were trampled underfoot, forgotten in the wake of the academy's elite.

And today was one of those days.

Hundreds of students gathered around the academy's Sparring Arena, an open-air coliseum with towering stone walls. The sound of murmuring voices echoed through the stands as students whispered among themselves, anticipating the upcoming matches.

Most were excited to see the performance of top-ranked awakeners.

But one particular match had caught everyone's attention.

"Did you hear? Ron's been forced into a match!"

"Ron? You mean that non-awakener trash?"

"Haha! This is going to be hilarious. He's fighting a Level 5 Awakener!"

"I almost feel bad for him… but then again, he should've just quit the academy."

The whispers quickly turned into laughter, their amusement growing as Ron's name was announced.

The Unwanted Challenge

Standing near the entrance of the arena, Ron kept his expression neutral. His hands were in his pockets, his posture relaxed—as if none of this mattered.

But inwardly?

He was irritated.

This was supposed to be a sparring event to measure progress. He hadn't even been training within the Awakener System. So why was he being forced to participate?

He already knew the answer.

Leo Graves.

That bastard must have arranged this.

Ron's gaze flickered toward a section of the stands where a familiar figure sat with an amused smirk—Leo, dressed in his elite uniform, his golden hair reflecting the sunlight.

Next to him, his usual entourage snickered.

Ron sighed. Petty games.

Well, if they wanted a show, he'd give them one.

The Opponent – A True Awakener

A muscular student stepped forward into the arena.

His name was Eric Vulcan, a Level 5 Awakener known for his brute strength. He was nearly two meters tall, his arms thick with muscle, and his uniform barely containing his hulking frame.

Unlike Ron, Eric had a proper Awakener System.

His attribute? Steel Body.

A powerful ability that hardened his skin like iron, making him nearly impervious to physical attacks.

"I can't believe they're even allowing this," one student muttered. "Ron doesn't stand a chance."

"More like he's about to be turned into paste."

Eric cracked his knuckles, grinning as he looked down at Ron.

"You sure you don't want to surrender?" he mocked. "I'd hate to break your bones before your next art lesson."

The crowd laughed.

Ron remained silent, gazing at Eric with cold indifference.

The referee raised his hand.

"Begin!"

A Battle of Expectations

Eric didn't waste time.

With a roar, he charged forward, his heavy footsteps shaking the ground. His Steel Body activated, turning his skin a dull gray as his muscles tensed like reinforced metal.

To the audience, it was clear what would happen.

Ron would be crushed.

He was just an ordinary person. He had no system. No enhanced abilities. No skills.

What could he possibly do?

Ron simply stood there.

Then, at the last moment—

He moved.

The Difference Between Strength and Power

Eric's massive fist swung downward, aiming to slam into Ron's head.

But it hit nothing.

Ron's body shifted—his movements swift, calculated, effortless. He took a single step to the side, narrowly dodging the blow.

A gust of wind followed as Eric's punch smashed into the ground, creating a small crater. Dust and debris flew up from the impact.

The crowd blinked in confusion.

"Did he… dodge that?"

Eric growled, lifting his arm again. "Lucky—"

SMACK!

Before he could finish, a hand struck his cheek.

A simple slap.

Yet, the sound of impact echoed across the arena.

The audience froze.

Eric staggered back, his head snapping to the side, his cheek turning red from the unexpected strike.

For a moment, silence.

Then—laughter.

"Did… Did Ron just slap a Level 5 Awakener?!"

Eric's face darkened. He clenched his fists, his fury evident. "You little—"

He lunged again, faster this time, swinging his fist.

Another miss.

Ron weaved through the attack with ease, stepping around him like a breeze slipping through the cracks of a wall.

And then—

SMACK!

Another slap—this time on the other cheek.

The audience erupted.

Laughter. Cheers. Some were in complete disbelief.

"Is he playing with him?!"

"This has to be a joke!"

Even Leo, watching from above, frowned. This wasn't supposed to happen.

Eric's breathing was heavy, his fists trembling with rage. "You… you bastard…!"

Ron yawned.

"You done?"

His voice was calm, indifferent—like he had already won.

Eric roared and charged for the third time. But by now—Ron had seen enough.

He exhaled, adjusting his stance.

One step forward.

A single, fluid movement.

His fist struck Eric's gut.

A clean, precise hit.

For a second, nothing happened.

Then—BOOM.

Eric's body lifted off the ground, his massive frame sent flying across the arena. He crashed into the far wall, coughing violently, gasping for air.

Silence.

The audience watched in absolute shock.

This… wasn't possible.

A non-awakener? Defeating a Level 5?

With a single punch?!

The Aftermath

The referee, still stunned, eventually snapped out of it.

"W-Winner… Ron."

The crowd exploded.

Some cheered. Some whispered in disbelief. Others simply did not understand.

But one thing was certain—Ron was no longer just an afterthought.

Leo, watching from above, clenched his jaw. His fingers gripped the edge of his seat.

This was not how it was supposed to go.

Ron turned his back on the fallen Eric, his hands once again in his pockets.

He didn't celebrate.

He didn't boast.

He simply walked away.

As if none of this had been worth his time.

But in his mind, one thought lingered—